Analysts See Mixed December

NEW YORK CITY-Analysts are predicting retailers will report mixed year-over-year same-store sales during December. Most chain stores will release their results on Thursday.

Lehman Bros. analysts say they have revised their prediction of broadline and department-store sales to a 3% increase instead of the 3.4% rise they were forecasting. Wal-Mart’s 2.2% expected increase, at the lower end of its 2% to 4% predicted rise, in part, dropped Lehman’s outlook.

However, analysts expect a 2% to 4% boost by J.C. Penney instead of a previously expected 1% to 3% lift. Predictions for Target are also strong, with same-store sales estimated between 4% and 5%.